01 September 2021
Some 61 offenders had their sentences increased last year under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Attorney General’s Office has confirmed
Victims, members of the public and the Crown Prosecution Service can ask for certain Crown Court sentences to be reviewed by the Law Officers if they think they’re too low. Only one referral is required in order for it to be considered by the Attorney General’s Office.
The Law Officers must consider the case and, if they think the sentence is too low, ask the Court of Appeal to review it.
To be increased, a sentence must be unduly lenient such that the judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range available. Of 552 applications received in 2020, 97 were referred to the Court of Appeal. Five of the 61 who had their sentences increased were sent to prison.
To be increased, a sentence must be unduly lenient such that the judge made a gross error or imposed a sentence outside the range available. Of 552 applications received in 2020, 97 were referred to the Court of Appeal. Five of the 61 who had their sentences increased were sent to prison.
Attorney General Michael Ellis QC said: ‘In the vast majority of cases judges get it right, but the scheme remains an important tool to ensure that cases can be reviewed where there may have been a gross error in the sentencing decision.’
